Spicy Jamaican Jerk Pork Skewers
Experience the vibrant and bold flavors of the Caribbean with these Spicy Jamaican Jerk Pork Skewers. This succulent dish features marinated pork infused with the aromatic spices of the islands, complemented by a smoky grill finish. Ideal for summer cookouts or cozy dinners, feel free to substitute chicken for a lighter option or adjust the peppers according to your heat preference. Served up on skewers, they are perfect for sharing, and your guests will rave about this tantalizing taste of Jamaica!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Allspice
1 1/2 teaspoons (ground)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (to taste)
Ground Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Ground Thyme
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Ground Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Ground Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Ground Cloves
1/8 teaspoon (ground)
Green Onions
3 (chopped)
Garlic
3 cloves (minced)
Scotch Bonnet Peppers
2 (whole (or substitute with jalapenos for less heat))
Medium Onion
1 (chopped)
Lemon Juice
from 1 lemon (freshly squeezed)
Oil
3 teaspoons (of your choice (olive or vegetable))
Soy Sauce
2 teaspoons (low-sodium recommended)
Malt Vinegar
2 teaspoons (for extra tanginess)
Minced Gingerroot
1 teaspoon (fresh)
Pork Butt
3-4 lbs (cubed into 2-inch chunks)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground allspice, salt, black pepper, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix these dry ingredients well to create a flavorful spice blend.
2
In a food processor, combine the green onions, garlic, scotch bonnet peppers (or alternative peppers), onion, lemon juice, oil, soy sauce, malt vinegar, and minced ginger. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
3
Cut the pork butt into 2-inch cubes and place them in a glass bowl or a large resealable freezer bag.
4
Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring that each piece is coated evenly. Seal the container or bag and lightly massage the marinade into the meat.
5
Refrigerate and let the pork marinate for at least 8 hours, turning or stirring occasionally for maximum flavor absorption.
6
Remove the marinated pork from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 1 hour before grilling.
7
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and prepare skewers by threading 4 cubes of pork onto each skewer, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
8
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes on one side. Flip them over and grill for an additional 6-8 minutes until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred.
9
Remove from the grill, let rest for a few minutes, and serve hot. Enjoy your flavorful jerk pork skewers!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
5g
Carbs
31g
Protein
0.6g
Fiber
0.6g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Jamaican Jerk Pork Skewers?
Spicy Jamaican Jerk Pork Skewers are a Caribbean-inspired dish featuring marinated pork butt cubes infused with aromatic island spices and finished on the grill for a smoky taste.
What cut of pork is best for these skewers?
The recipe recommends using 3-4 lbs of pork butt cut into 2-inch cubes.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving of the Spicy Jamaican Jerk Pork Skewers contains 400 calories.
How long should the pork be marinated?
For maximum flavor absorption, the pork should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours.
Can I substitute the pork with chicken?
Yes, chicken can be used as a substitute for a lighter protein option.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This recipe provides 31g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 25g of fat per serving.
What peppers provide the heat in Jamaican jerk seasoning?
Authentic heat is provided by 2 scotch bonnet peppers, though they can be substituted with jalapenos for less spice.
What are the primary dry spices in the marinade?
The dry spice blend consists of ground allspice, salt, black pepper, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
How do I prepare the marinade liquid?
Combine green onions, garlic, peppers, onion, lemon juice, oil, soy sauce, malt vinegar, and minced ginger in a food processor and blend until smooth.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe requires a total of 17 ingredients.
How long do the skewers need to be grilled?
Grill the skewers for 6-8 minutes per side, totaling 12-16 minutes of cooking time.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
Should the pork be cold when it goes on the grill?
No, it is recommended to let the marinated pork come to room temperature for about 1 hour before grilling.
How many cubes of pork should I put on each skewer?
The instructions suggest threading 4 cubes of pork onto each skewer, leaving space for even cooking.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, the recipe contains a small amount of sugar, approximately 0.6g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of vinegar is used for the jerk marinade?
The recipe calls for malt vinegar to provide extra tanginess.
Is fresh ginger used in the skewers?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 teaspoon of fresh minced gingerroot.
What type of onion is needed for the wet marinade?
One medium onion, chopped, is used in the food processor blend.
How much allspice is required?
You will need 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground allspice.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 cloves of minced garlic.
Is there fiber in this pork dish?
Yes, there is approximately 0.6g of fiber per serving.
What kind of oil should I use for the marinade?
You can use 3 teaspoons of your choice of oil, such as olive or vegetable oil.
What is the purpose of resting the meat after grilling?
Resting the meat for a few minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute for a more succulent result.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 chopped green onions.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, low-sodium soy sauce is actually recommended for this recipe.
Is lemon juice a requirement for the marinade?
Yes, the freshly squeezed juice from 1 lemon is used for flavor and acidity.
In what type of container should I marinate the pork?
A glass bowl or a large resealable freezer bag is recommended for marinating the pork.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include jamaican, jerk pork, grilled skewers, BBQ, and caribbean cuisine.